Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect 5/23

The smoking ban passed by the New York City Council in February will go into effect on May 23, prohibiting smoking in New York City parks, beaches and playgrounds.

Both of the peninsula’s two City Council members, Eric A. Ulrich and James Sanders Jr., voted against the bill, only two of 12 who voted against the ban which was eventually approved by a 36-to-12 margin. Mayor Bloomberg signed the bill at the end of February.

The law bans smoking in pedestrian plazas and public parks. Specific these areas include properties such as public parks, beaches, pools, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, and recreation centers that are under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Smoking is also prohibited in areas such as pedestrian plazas or areas that contain benches and tables meant for pedestrian use that are under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Transportation. Fines for smoking in these areas will start at $50.

The ban will cover 1,400 parks and 14 miles of beaches citywide. The law will not be enforced by the NYPD but rather by Parks Enforcement Patrol officers.